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Winemaker's Notes:

Why did we decide to make an Alicante Bouschet? Click here and let winemaker Corey Beck tell you the story. As a child, Francis Coppolas grandfather made homemade wine using Alicante Bouschet grapes shipped in by train. Some years back, Mr. Coppola expressed a yearning for that unique varietal he grew up with, so we traveled about and tasted grapes in order to find the vineyard we thought produced the highest quality Alicante. We found that vineyard in Lodi, California, an appellation well known for producing red varietals that thrive in a warm climate. Our Magenta Label Alicante Bouschet is made from the fruit of 85-year-old vines. Rich in color and loaded with lush, jammy fruit, this smooth, medium-bodied red is richly textured, long on the finish, and easy to pair with a variety of grilled meats, barbecued pork sandwiches and international favorites such as empanadas. Limit: 2 bottles per customerLimit for Rosso & Bianco Members: 6 bottles

I really like some of the Coppola Diamond series wines a great deal, especially the Claret and the Malbec. So when I saw the outrageous magenta label on this Coppola Alicante Bouschet I had to try it. It is my first experience with an Alicante - they don't exactly line the shelves in the wine stores. So I had no idea what to expect. Was very pleasantly surprised. Very fruit-forward, big floral nose, and soft tannins. Probably not your first choice for a grilled steak, but paired with appetizers and cheeses it is great. Falls into my "crowd pleaser" category nicely.

Nose of ripe dark fruit, dried brown fig (label said leather, I disagree), and dried zante currant with hint of cedar and spice. In the mouth fuzzy but tame tannins with easy acid and tastes of ripe red fruit (red currant, plum, and red raspberry) with wood, some earth, and a slightly acrid sheen. Medium to full weight, off-dry to dry, medium acid. Finishes of intense sour ripe berries (red raspberry and cranberry). In my case it paired well with a dark mild curry sauce on mutton (or lamb). Watch out, this wine does evolve significantly with air contact, will taste quite different after you decant it.

Fruity smell and very easy to drink. The Coppola Alicante is a lighter alternative to their Claret or Cab. Nice to drink alone or with cheese while enjoying a good film. Would probably go with something else if I was serving red meat.

Why did we decide to make an Alicante Bouschet? Click here and let winemaker Corey Beck tell you the story. As a child, Francis Coppolas grandfather made homemade wine using Alicante Bouschet grapes shipped in by train. Some years back, Mr. Coppola expressed a yearning for that unique varietal he grew up with, so we traveled about and tasted grapes in order to find the vineyard we thought produced the highest quality Alicante. We found that vineyard in Lodi, California, an appellation well known for producing red varietals that thrive in a warm climate. Our Magenta Label Alicante Bouschet is made from the fruit of 85-year-old vines. Rich in color and loaded with lush, jammy fruit, this smooth, medium-bodied red is richly textured, long on the finish, and easy to pair with a variety of grilled meats, barbecued pork sandwiches and international favorites such as empanadas. Limit: 2 bottles per customerLimit for Rosso & Bianco Members: 6 bottles